Any Expats Moving in April-May 2010?

Just wanted to see who out there will be moving to UK in April-May 2010, specifically to London. I thought it might be cool to have a countdown buddy for the remaining months we're here in the states. 

I'm moving in March, but not to London, does that count?

Yep - it counts! Whereabouts are you moving? Why? Are you overwhelmed with all you have to do? I can't wait, but I am a little nervous, lol. Time will fly by from now until then!

This will be the 2nd time I've done it, but this time with kids coming along. I lived in the UK from 2002-2005, then repatriated back here with my English husband, now we're moving back. I'm not nervous at all, I pretty much know what I'm in for this time, but I am stressed about all the paperwork and organizing I have to do from now til then!!

We're moving (fingers crossed!) sometime in June of next year!!!! I graduate May 29th so not before then.

I have no clue where in the UK we are moving to though! Ed is going to start looking for a job in January, and we'll see where that takes us!!

I am *SOO* excited!

Oh and I meant to say we're moving to a small village on the border of Cambridgeshire & Suffolk, about 3 miles away from the American Air Force Base in Mildenhall, and about 20 minutes from Cambridge.

I'm moving end of April/beginning of May. Not to London though. Going to the beautiful east midlands.

I am SUPER excited and have to keep myself from packing up everything right now!  The visa process is a little nerve wracking to have hanging over my head, but overall the plans are sailing right along. I pulled up a copy of the visa application so I know what all I have to get in line before I apply.

My biggest concern right now is a visit I have coming up at Christmas. I want to take as much "stuff" as I can possibly fit into my two suitcases because I don't plan on shipping any goods via boat. But I'm freaking myself out thinking about what the IO will say if he looks in my bags and sees kitchen utensils, living room knick-knacks and such. Ugh....the drama.....

But I'm freaking myself out thinking about what the IO will say if he looks in my bags and sees kitchen utensils, living room knick-knacks and such. Ugh....the drama.....

As long as you've got the right visa you should be fine! The real worry is taking over those kinds of things when you are only over as a visitor, not on a visa. This coming from someone who spent 7 hours detained at Heathrow airport 7 years ago for doing just that!

Exactly! I will only be visiting during the Christmas holiday, and won't be applying for my visa until April.

THAT'S why I'm worried. I'm hoping they don't think that bringing over those sorts of things would be strange for a visit....

maybe I could wrap them as "presents"......Hahahaaha.

Could you take over a bunch of clothes instead (and carry the more unusual stuff when you have visa in hand and are moving)?

I managed to fit about 75% of my clothing into 2 suitcases, plus cram about 1/3 of my DVDs in there as well on my recent visit. (I've got citizenship, so I wasn't really concerned with the items I was packing, but I was surprised at how much stuff fit.) Granted, I've also gotten rid of a ton of stuff as well, so my goal is to move over with only clothes, dvds/electronics, and whatever stuff my pets need.

You can also help avoid suspicion by bringing along very clear evidence that you're not staying in the UK and will be moving in April/May. (Lease agreement/mortgage, employment letter, etc.) It may not be enough to avoid the 7-hour angst that Marlespo dealt with, but at least should enable you to get in the country without a bounce. You can also clarify to the IO that you're aware of the visa procedures and have every intention of following them, etc.

At any rate, good luck! I hope you have a lovely visit.

Marlespo -- congrats on your move back! I will be moving with my husband and 4 yr old DS and I'm pretty nervous about how the trip will effect him...I figure as long as he knows he is loved and safe with us then all will be fine. Also, I may be moving in March too depending on when my transfer takes effect!

Reinadeluz -- congrats on your imminent graduation and move! Let me know where you guys end up

Maui_to_Midlands -- LOL, I too am ready to pack up everything and just go...TODAY I would do as equestrianerd suggested and bring a ton of clothes this trip. Can you ship your nick nacks via Fed Ex later and coincide delivery with when you are arriving?

I finally get to mention it now that we've had a good scan.... I'm pregnant, which was the driving force in making the decision to move so quickly. I'll be around 5 months along when we ship off to England.

Congrats, Marlespo!

Congrats Marlespo - that is fantastic!

Congrats Marlespo!!!!